Complete Streets Act of 2011

On Tuesday, May 24th, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced legislation aimed at improving roadways to make them safer and to encourage Americans to walk or bike to their destinations. The Complete Streets Act of 2011 (number not yet assigned) would promote the design of streets that are safe for all who use them – including motorists, bus riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bill encourages federal, state, and regional agencies that receive federal transportation funding to fully consider incorporating pedestrian and bicycle safety measures when roads are built or modernized. Harkin has introduced similar legislation in 2009 and 2007.

The Complete Streets Act of 2011 is cosponsored by Senators Thomas Carper (D-DE), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Mark Begich (D-AK), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Carl Levin (D-MI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Al Franken (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD). The diverse members of the National Complete Streets Coalition are expressing their support for the measure; see their statements here.